Intro to Sea Kayaking | 3 Hours | $105

This three-hour lesson is the foundation upon which all of our other classes are built. No experience is necessary. Our certified instructors will start by covering paddle-specific apparel and general kayaking safety. Next, we will explain proper usage of the kayaks and paddles you'll be using, show you how to adjust all of your gear and help you develop a graceful means of getting into and out of your boat. Once you're out on the water, we will teach you the basic paddle strokes, help you perform a controlled exit and work with you on assisted and self-rescue techniques. Finally we'll make sure everyone in the class can confidently execute the ever-important wet exit.

Intro to Stand Up Paddle Boarding | 2 Hours | $75

This class will provide you with everything you'll need to safely and confidently get out on the water. No experience is necessary, but knowing how to swim is always a plus. In this ninety-minute class our instructors will cover all of the basics including getting you familiar with the equipment, perfecting your water entry and maintaining your balance. We'll work with you to develop a proper paddling stance and make sure you understand the benefits of proper positioning on the board. Finally we'll teach efficient paddling technique, cover turning methods, review safety issues and cover the rules of the road. If there's time left, we'll take a mini-tour on the boards where you can put everything you've learned together.

Recovery & Rescues | 3 Hours | $105

This class offers a more comprehensive menu of rescue and recovery options. Not only will you learn certain maneuvers to aid you in re-entering your own boat but you'll also develop an array of strategies to assist fellow capsized paddlers. Intro to Sea Kayaking or some paddling experience is a prerequisite.

Our instructors will start the class with an introduction of the paddle float, paddle park, rescue stirrup and tow belt. Once we're on the water, we'll get the wet exit out of the way and pair up with you to work on contact tows and the proper usage of a tow belt. Following this, we'll get in the water and teach the paddle float rescue, stirrup rescue, T-rescue, cowboy and scramble self-rescue, bow rescue and paddle shaft rescue. Our goal is to teach competency with each of these, not just familiarity. Finally, our instructors will demonstrate and provide an opportunity for you to try the re-entry and roll, scoop and hand-of-god rescues.

Advanced Strokes & Maneuvers | 3 Hours | $105

We'd like you to have some paddling experience and feel comfortable with the strokes, maneuvers and rescues taught in our Intro to Sea Kayaking class before we work with you on some of the more advanced skills.

This three-hour class will focus on edging, leaning and improving overall boat control. Strokes and maneuvers that will be taught include edging, J-leans and J-lean turns. We'll work with you to develop both high and low braces and teach you how to scull with each. Once you've got these down we'll help you maneuver your kayak with the implementation of a bow rudder, stern rudder, stationary draw and hanging draw. Saving the best two for last, we'll teach you the always-impressive low brace turn and sculling draw. We'll be pushing the envelope a little, so come prepared to get wet and show off a gracefully executed wet exit or roll.

Bracing & Rolling | 6 Hours | $300

Few accomplishments are as personally rewarding as learning to roll your kayak. Mastering this skill will allow you to confidently put your kayak on edge, test its limits and embrace the occasional capsize without the consequence of wet exits, rescues, bailing and bilging. In short, it's a time saver and a game changer.

No experience is necessary, but having a confident wet exit and the ability to relax while under water is a step in the right direction. To ensure that you receive the personal attention you'll need when learning to roll, we provide one instructor for every two students. Divided into three, two-hour classes held one week apart, this class is catered to each student's needs, limitations and pace. Our instructors will work with you on dry land and in the water to help you build muscle memory, establish a balance brace and consistently execute a bombproof roll. If after these three sessions you find that you're almost there and just need one more session to lock it in, we'll extend a 50% discount on our 2-hour private lesson.

Private Lessons

Private sessions are available for both touring and instruction programs. If your schedule makes it difficult to attend one of our weekday evening classes or weekend tours, we'll pair you with a skilled instructor on a day and time of your choosing. These sessions are great way to learn and refine concepts taught in the regular classes and if you're considering buying a boat, this is an excellent opportunity to test paddle several different kayaks carried by Outdoor Sports Center in Wilton.

2-Hour Private Lesson | $240

Geared to the more experienced paddler and those who have had some instruction, this private lesson seeks to refine one's paddling skills and teach the more advanced techniques that are often difficult to master. Our instructors will cater the program to your goals and interests and will work closely with you while providing steady feedback on paddling form, boat handling and blade work. This lesson is a great way to sharpen your skill set in a short time frame. We are happy to work with you one-on-one, or feel free to invite a friend along for no extra charge.

3-Hour Private Lesson | $300

Catered to the newer paddler, a three-hour private lesson is the perfect amount of time to work through a wide compliment of strokes, maneuvers and rescues. We'll put you in the boat(s) of your choosing and cater the session to your personal goals. Whether it's focusing on boat control, efficiency of strokes or learning new and fun ways to get in and out of your kayak, this lesson will vastly improve your paddling skillset. We are happy to work with you one-on-one, or feel free to invite a friend along for no extra charge.